Tag Archives: Older care
Long-term care: why the system is close to breaking point
We explain who is entitled to state help, and why experts think the system needs to be reformed.
3:55PM GMT 03 Jan 2012
Hundreds of thousands of elderly people are at risk of “terrible abuse and neglect” through the failings of Britain’s care system, experts stated in a letter published in The Telegraph.
What can those approaching the age when care may be needed, or who have relatives in this situation do about funding long term care? The following answers may help to shed some light.
Politicians urged to seize chance to change social care
Plans to reform social care will be put forward in the spring, ministers said.
3 January 2012 Last updated at 08:26
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
Politicians from all parties have been urged to work together to find a way to overhaul the “failing” social care system in England.
Cross-party talks about the care given to the elderly and disabled failed in 2010 but will start again this month.
In an open letter, charities, faith-based groups and senior figures in the NHS and local government say the opportunity must not be missed.
Plans to reform social care will be put forward in the spring, ministers said.
Elderly ‘robbed of dignity’ by failing social care services
Full-time carers who are forced to leave their jobs to look after frail relatives are being “pushed to breaking point”
By Tim Ross, Political Correspondent
10:00PM GMT 02 Jan 2012
Hundreds of thousands of elderly people are being robbed of their dignity by England’s failing social care services and left at risk of “terrible abuse and neglect”, David Cameron has been warned.
An unprecedented coalition of more than 60 government advisers, charity directors and independent experts is demanding “urgent” and “fundamental” reform to care and home help services in England.
Thousands are forced to sell their homes and use up their savings to pay rising care bills each year, while businesses are losing experienced staff who are forced to quit to look after their relatives.
